Combined baby wipe holder and toilet paper holder stand

ABSTRACT

A combined baby wipe and toilet paper holder includes a base, an upstanding pole or rod and a receptacle for removably stowing a plurality of baby wipes or similar stowable product therewithin. The receptacle may be an open structure or may be defined by an enclosure having a hingeably rotatable lid with an access portal or slit formed therewithin to permit access to any stowable product contained therewithin. A liner may be removably seated within the receptacle. The toilet paper holder includes a pair of opposed arms, each having inwardly directed fingers with sufficient flexibility to enable the fingers to be separated to removably mount a roll of toilet paper thereon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a completion application of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/885,046, filed Oct. 1, 2013 for COMBINED BABY WIPE HOLD AND TOILET PAPER HOLDER STAND, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, including the drawing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a combined toilet paper holder and baby wipe holder stand. More particularly the present invention concerns a freestanding combined toilet paper and baby wipe holder stands. Even more particularly, the present invention concerns a freestanding combined adjustable stand for baby wipe and toilet paper.

2. Prior Art

The prior art is replete with bathroom accessories including devices for enabling the dispensing of toilet paper, facial tissue and baby or diaper wipes. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,394,041; 7,726,513; 2,122,048; 3,837,595; 7,128,235; 4,106,616; 6,929,148; 4,004,687 each disclose toilet paper dispensers combined with dispenses for baby wipes, facial tissue or similar other paper products.

In this representative prior art, these devices are wall mounted and in which the dispensers, interdepend from one another.

In addition, the prior art has disclosed “freestanding” dispensers such as found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,034; U.S. Pat. No. 573,822; U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,196; U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,604.

It is to be appreciated that these “freestanding” devices do not provide interchangeability or change of position for the toilet paper holder and the wipe holder.

Recently, there has come on the market a “toilet tissue stand” which includes a positionably adjustable shelf for wipes.

This device has a fixed toilet paper holder and the adjustable shelf which clamps onto the rear of the stand. The device thereof, while being efficacious, still does not address the needs for interchangeability between the toilet paper holder and the wipe shelf.

As disclosed hereinafter the present invention addresses these issues.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention references made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing.

In the drawing like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a combined toilet paper holder and wipe holder stand in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternate embodiment hereof;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a further embodiment hereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative “C-clamp” which can be used herein, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset it is to be noted that although the ensuing description is made with reference to a wipe and a wipe holder, it is to be understood that other products, such as facial tissue and the like are within the scope hereof

Now, and with reference to the drawing, and in particular FIG. 1, there is depicted therein a freestanding combined toilet paper and wipe holder, generally, denoted at 10 in accordance with the present invention. The holder 10 comprises a ground engaging base 12. The base has an upper surface of 14 and a ground engaging surface 16. The base can be of any desired geometric configuration but which for ease of construction purposes is optimally square, rectangular or circular.

A pole or rod 18 extends upwardly from the base and is secured thereto by any suitable means. For example, if desired, depending on the material of construction, the pole may be threadably connected to the base, glued, bonded, welded or otherwise fastened such as by means for fastening including screws, nails or the like. Additionally, the rod 18 may be integrally formed with the base out of any suitable synthetic resinous material such as, for example, polycarbonate, HDPE and the like.

As shown, the pole or rod 18 extends upwardly from the base.

A toilet paper holder 20 is secured to the pole 18, preferably, medially thereof.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the toilet paper holder 20 is a substantially U-shaped member having opposed side arms or legs 22, 24 and a medial interconnecting bight portion 26. The free ends of the arms 20, 22 have inwardly directed fingers 28, 30.

The fingers 28, 30 have a length sufficient to rotatably suspend a roll of toilet paper thereon such as shown at 32.

The space or distance between the tips of the fingers is not only sufficient to removably mount a roll of toilet paper but has sufficient clearance that once the roll is exhausted it can be easily removed from the holder by lateral movement thereof toward a selected arm.

The bight 26 is used to secure the toilet paper holder to the rod 18. This can be done with any suitable means, such as by clamping, soldering, bonding, or the like to maintain the holder 20 in a fixed position, if desired.

It is also possible and preferable within the scope hereof to render the holder 20 slidable along the extent of the pole 18. Where sliding adjustability is desired, a cylinder or ring or slider 50 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the rod or pole 18, but having sufficient flexibility, can be slidingly mounted onto the rod for positioning the toilet paper holder at any desired elevation along the extent of the pole. Such a cylinder necessarily comprises a flexible material, such as, a plastic material or the like. Alternately, the slider may be of a smaller diameter than the pole and be provided with a longitudinal slit which enables the slider to be flexed and then fitted about the pole. The slider 50 may be affixed to its associated toilet paper holder by any suitable means appropriate for the materials of construction.

When rendered slideable, the toilet paper holder 20 becomes removably mounted to the pole.

As shown, a shelf 34 is mounted atop the pole 18. The shelf is dimensioned to removably seat a source 36 of wipes, facial tissues, like suitable product. The shelf 34 comprises an enclosure including a pair of opposed sidewalls 38, 40, a rear wall 42, a front wall 44 and a bottom wall 46. The walls cooperate to define the shelf 34 for removably seating the source 36 therewithin.

The shelf 34 can be fixed or slidably mounted onto the pole 18 by any suitable means such as that hereinabove described. Alternately, a support plate 54 can be fixedly secured at the top of the pole 18. The shelf may then either simply rest on or be fastened to the plate.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is depicted therein an alternate embodiment hereof and generally denoted at 110.

According to this embodiment the holder has a base 112, a toilet paper holder 114 and a wipe holder 116.

With more particularity, the pole 118 vertically extends upwardly from the base 112 in the manner described with respect to the embodiment to FIG. 1.

The toilet paper holder 114 is medially disposed at a desired elevation along the extent of the pole and is similarly secured thereto by any suitable means such as clamping, welding, gluing or the like.

The holder 114 is a substantially U-shaped member having opposed arms 113, 115 and an intermediate bight portion 118.

Inwardly directed fingers 117, 119 project from the free ends of the arms toward each other.

As with the first embodiment a toilet paper roll is removably seated on the fingers.

The wipe holder 116 seats atop top the pole 118, and includes a bottom wall 120 opposed side walls 122, 124. As shown, the holder 116, also, includes a rear wall 131, a front wall 128, opposed side walls, 125, 126, and a top wall 132. The rear wall, bottom wall, and side walls 122, 124, 125 and 126 cooperate to define a bottom or lower compartment 131. The top wall 132 is hingedly connected to the bottom compartment, as at 140.

The wipe or facial tissue holder or similar stowable product or product package is emplaced within the interior of the compartment 140. Baby wipes or the like are stored therewithin by enclosing same, when not in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 there is depicted therein a further embodiment of the present invention and generally denoted at 210. The device hereof includes a base 212, an upstanding rod or pole 214, a toilet tissue holder 216 and a wipe enclosure 218. The device is constructed similarly to those of the first two embodiments. Herein, though, there is provided a limited access portal or door 220. The limited access portal door or lid is associated with the wipe enclosure 218.

The enclosure 218 includes a lower section or compartment 222 which includes a bottom wall 224, a front wall 226, an opposed rear wall 227 and side walls 228, 230. The enclosure further includes a top wall 232, which is hingedly connected to the bottom portion of the enclosure in a manner above described. The portal 220 comprises a body member 225 which is hingedly connected to the top wall 232 about an opening 236 formed in the top wall.

An opening or aperture or cutout (not shown) or slit may be provided medially or centrally of the portal 220. The portal 220 is configured to open and close the opening 236 to provide access into the interior of the enclosure 218 when in use and to preclude access into the interior when not in use.

Although not shown in the drawing, a flange or shoulder or other suitable stop element may be provided on a bottom surface of the top wall to limit the degree of rotation of the portal.

In those instances where the rear wall of each embodiment is provided with means for frictional sliding, it is apparent that the positioning of the toilet paper holder and the shelf can be interchanged, as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an adjustable clamp 70 may be affixed to the back of the tray and/or the toilet paper holder. The clamp 70 is, preferably, a “C-clamp” having a C-shaped body 72. A pair of opposed flanges 74, 76 are integrally formed with the body 72 and project upwardly therefrom. Each flange has an aperture (not shown) which are in registry. Means for tightening the clamp, generally, denoted at 78, is used to tighten the clamp.

The clamp includes a nut 80 and bolt 82 assembly which is used to tighten the body 72 around a rod or pole. A bumper 84 is mounted on the bolt intermediate the flanges and is used to prevent scratching, or otherwise marring of the pole 18. As is known to those skilled in the art as the bolt is tightened against the nut it draws the body 72 tighter against the pole. Thus, the clamp enables the tray and/or toilet paper holder to be mounted about various diameter poles.

Depending on the materials of the construction of both the clamp and the tray and toilet paper holder, the clamp maybe affixed thereto by any suitable means including welding, sonic welding, gluing, integral molding, bonding and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is depicted therein a further embodiment of the present invention, generally, denoted at 310. The combined holder 310, according to this embodiment, generally, comprises a pedestal base 312, an upstanding pole or rod 314, and a receptacle 316 for removably retaining a baby wipe or similar such cleaning material.

A toilet paper holder 320 is also included in this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the base 312 includes a ground engaging element 322 which, preferably, is substantially circular. An upstanding tapering pedestal 324 extends from the element 322 and terminates at a first end 326 of the pole.

As shown, the pole has a first end 326 and an opposed second end 328.

The wipe holder or receptacle 316 extends upwardly from the free end 328 of the pole 314, as shown.

The receptacle is a substantially rectangular enclosure having opposed side walls 334, 336 and a rear wall 338, and a front wall 340. A hinged lid 342 is rotatably secured to the rear wall, as shown.

A slit 344 is formed in the lid which permits limited access into the interior of the receptacle 316.

The toilet paper holder, as with the other embodiments, comprises diametrically opposed arms, only one of which is shown, at 352, each having an inwardly directed finger (not shown). Thus, the two inwardly directed fingers cooperate to hold a toilet paper roll 354 thereon as described hereinabove.

According to this embodiment, the arms of the toilet paper holder are secured at a first end 356 to the pole by any suitable means including being integrally formed therewith or otherwise attached such as by through fastening members or the like. The diametrically opposed arms are formed from a material having sufficient flexibility such that the arms flex outwardly from each other to enable a toilet paper roll to be mounted thereon and removed therefrom.

As noted, according to this embodiment, preferably, the entire unit is integrally formed as a unitary member by molding from any suitable synthetic resinous material or plastic, such as polycarbonate, HDPE and the like.

As noted hereinabove, according to this embodiment, a liner 360 is also included herewith and which is removably seated within the receptacle. Depending on the size of the source of the wipes, it may be necessary to stack individual wipes within the receptacle. The liner provides a sanitary holder. By being removable, smaller packages of wipes or facial tissue or the like can be seated therewithin without the need of the liner.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a free-standing holder, it is possible to render the device wall mounted. In addition, it is also possible to provide a waste receptacle associated with the base, either being permanently or removably associated or affixed to the base.

The present stand and components can be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as wood, plastic, metal or the like. For example the base and rod may be formed from metal and the holders from plastic. Likewise, the pole and holders may be integrally formed as all metal, wood, plastic and so forth. Where a slider is to be associated with the holder(s), it may be bonded, integrally formed with, or otherwise fixed to its associated holder.

Although not shown in the drawing, it should be noted that, in lieu of the fingers, the toilet paper holder may utilize the well-known spring-biased roll mount which is disposed intermediate the arms. In such instance, registering recesses are formed in the arms in which the ends of the mount removably seat, again in the well-known manner.

It should further be noted that where the C-clamp is affixed to the tray, it can be merchandized separately as a “universal” pole mounted tray because of its adjustability to various size diameter poles. 

Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. A combined baby wipe holder and toilet paper holder stand, (a) comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, (b) a pole upwardly extending from the base, (c) a toilet paper holder secured to the pole at a position along the length of the pole, and (d) a receptacle for retaining a stowable product package therewithin,
 2. The holder of claim 1 further comprising means for mounting the toilet paper holder to the rod,
 3. The holder of claim 2 wherein the means for mounting is slidably adjustable along the extent of the pole,
 4. The holder of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is slidably mounted to the pole,
 5. The holder of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is fixably mounted to the top of the pole,
 6. The holder of claim 1 wherein the toilet paper holder comprises: a pair of opposed arms, each having an inwardly directed finger, the arms being sufficiently flexible to enable separation thereof and wherein a roll of toilet paper removably seats on the fingers,
 7. The holder of claim 6 wherein the base, the rod and the receptacle are integrally formed as a unitary member,
 8. The holder of claim 7 comprising a plastic unitary member,
 9. The holder of claim 1 wherein; The receptacle is fixed to the top of the pole, the receptacle comprising a bottom wall, a pair of opposed side walls, a front wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a hinged lid, rotatably mounted to the rear wall, the receptacle defining an open interior receptacle for stowing a stowable product therewithin,
 10. The holder of claim 9 wherein the lid has a medial slit formed therein. 